Hey Readers, I hope you enjoy this chapter. I enjoyed writing it but was a little unsure about it. it has quite a lot of Harry/Hermione in it and a cute little Safira ending. anyway, Enjoy! Review! Many Thanks, Your Loyal Writer...
It was time for Harry and Hermione to return to Hogwarts. Remus and Severus had decided to travel with them on the train.
Remus had kept his promise to Harry and the terrible had brought them closer than ever. Hermione had excepted that Harry would tell her when he was ready. Dora and Sirius had not been so easy to tackle but at least they no longer badgered them.
Harry was very nervous about returning to school. Fred and George had graduated meaning that there were two spots to fill on the Quidditch team.
The two professors and prefects had managed to get a carriage to them selves.
"I still don't understand your nicknames." Severus muttered. "Lupin is Moony because of him being a werewolf, Black is Padfoot because he's a dog and Potter snr was a stag and so he was Prongs. What are the meanings between your nicknames?"
"You don't know! Shall we show him Mione? Together then." Harry murmured.
With that Harry and Hermione transformed into Paws and Whiskers. Whiskers climbed up onto Remus' lap.
"How touching." Snape sniggered.
Paws growled bearing his teeth.
"I merely meant that you are an exact replica of Black." Snape sneered.
Paws tossed his head and curled up at Remus' feet.
At this Snape smiled. He looked Remus in the eye and they both said "Lily" before chuckling quietly.
Since this whole Horcrux business had started, Harry had become very protective of his 'family'. He didn't let anyone say anything against them or even think about coming near them.
On the first full moon back at Hogwarts Malfoy had made a comment about locking the doors so nobody got eaten.
Harry went mad and shouted at him so much that Remus himself was forced to deduct 10 points from Harry.
"Calm down Paws! I can take it. I always have." Remus had said later that day.
"You shouldn't have to Remus. I won't let rats like Malfoy get away with it either." Harry muttered.
"Harry it might be in your interests to remember that Draco's mother happens to be on our side and Hermione's aunt." The werewolf reminded.
"Yeah well. She left him behind. Or he wouldn't come or whatever. I don't care. It's not going to change my opinion of him." The teen hissed.
Other things had changed too. Harry felt bad about keeping things from Hermione so he had been more open about other things and this had brought them closer too. You would barely ever see the two torn apart. Except for if Hermione had lessons without Harry.
Harry was glad that he hadn't taken too many classes because, just as he had thought, the teachers did set them MOUNTAINS of homework.
Harry had been planning something for a few days now. Something that neither Remus or Hermione knew about. The 19th of September was Hermione's birthday. She would be turning 17 and coming of age. Harry wanted it to be special for her and had been sneaking up to the owlery late at night in order to organise it. He had decided to use Remus' office as he knew that Remus would not mind in the slightest. He had ordered balloons, a banner, a cake, butter beer and of course her birthday present.
Finally the day of the 19th arrived. It was a Saturday and after a great day with both of her sets of parents and Dora in Harry's trunk; Harry led Hermione to Remus' office.
When she entered she was completely shocked. It was decorated with '17!' or 'Birthday Girl!' balloons in pink and purple (her favourite colours).
There was a huge banner spread across the far wall that read 'Happy 17th Hermione!' the young witch was beyond words.
She looked around to see all of her friends raising a glass to her health.
Harry winked to her and brought out her birthday cake. She blew out all 17 candles and everyone cheered.
Then music came on and everyone danced.
"Thank you Harry!" She whispered into his ear. "It is more perfect than you know."
"You are more than welcome Mione. Would you like your birthday present now?" Harry asked.
"Harry! You paid for the whole party. You didn't have to get me anything else!" She murmured.
"Well tough coz I did!" Harry laughed.
He took Hermione aside and presented her with a small gift wrapped box. She tore off the wrapping to find a locket that had 'Hermione' engraved in the front. She opened the locket and found on the right side a picture of Emma and Daniel and on the left side a picture of Andromdra, Ted and Dora.
"Harry…. It is beautiful. Thank you Harry!" She stuttered.
Her smile lit up the room and indeed Harry's world. Her eyes sparkled and her pearl white teeth beamed light around the room.
"Care to dance?" Harry offered shyly.
"Certainly Lord Potter." She accepted.
"Harry, you know this …. thing, that you cant talk about. I'm not asking what it is exactly…. It's just… I know it has been bothering Remus and you a lot. I have a feeling it has something to do with these Horcruxes." Hermione approached.
It was the morning after the party. Harry and Hermione were curled up under the Marauder tree while Safira ran along it's branches.
Harry sighed deeply. He knew that he could not keep it from Hermione forever. He didn't think he physically could anyway.
"I… I….I… Do you remember when I told you that I didn't know what the last Horcrux was?" Harry asked nervously.
Hermione nodded.
"Well, I…. I… lied. I do know what the last Horcrux is. It's…. I'm…. The Horcrux is…" Harry stuttered.
"It's you isn't it Harry? That's why you can see inside Voldemort and talk to snakes and stuff. That's it isn't it?" Hermione cried.
Harry hung his head and nodded.
"Voldemort will have to kill me in the end. Remus will kill him after that. But until then I must get rid of the other Horcruxes. I am sorry Hermione. I cannot live. It is not to be." Harry muttered.
Hermione flung her arms around Harry.
"You are so brave Harry! So brave! I thought it would be something awful like this. Who else knows?" Hermione sobbed.
"Just you, me and Remus. Hermione you cant tell anyone else. Anyone. Please. I don't need people's sympathy right now. My simple aim in life is to get rid of the remaining Horcruxes so that you and our family can live in peace." Harry mumbled.
"I love you Harry."
"I love you too Hermione"
The news of Harry's ever approaching death had brought the two closer together. They treated every moment together as their last and cherished each other more than ever.
Harry decided to enjoy life while he had it. He laughed loud and loved strong. Remus had noticed this change immediately.
"You told her didn't you?" He had murmured after catching Harry's arm after class.
"Yeah. Well, no. kind of. She asked but then just sort of…. Guessed the answer." Harry confessed.
"Harry, if there is anything I can do. I… we…. If there is a way to prevent it, we'll find it." Remus spluttered. He was not good with these situations.
"Thanks Remus." Harry uttered as he turned to leave.
It was now November. It had been 3 months since they had found the ring. Harry was desperately hoping that there had been some sort of development with things on Sirius' end. He resolved to write to him.
Dear Sirius, I was just wondering if there had been any developments on our 'quest'. Not much has happened here. Hermione's 17th birthday was nice and the party I planned went well. Remus is doing well with his lessons and Potions are much more enjoyable with Severus being on our side. How are Dora, Cissy, Andie and Ted? Pass on my best wishes. Harry
Dear Harry, I have had no break through with the 'quest' unfortunately. I have spent more time in the library in the last few months than I have in my entire life! I must say I have no idea how Hermione can stand it! It is ridiculously boring but I am pursuing for the sake of the cause. I am glad that Mione's Birthday went well. Pass on my best wishes to her. I don't doubt that Potions have improved and for that I am glad. I however still do not forgive Snivilus for throwing that potion at you last year! I am also glad that Moony is having no trouble with this years classes. He did tell me about Draco's comment and your lashing out on your first full moon back. Touched as he was I am sure Remus was not exactly happy to have to deduct points from you. I personally would have done the same but I am sure that Remus would not deduct points from me! The family are fine but we miss you all dreadfully. The house is horribly quiet without you. I am so bored that I'd even welcome a visit from Sniv! How low! Anyway must dash the library is calling, yey! (NOT). Sirius
'Damn'
'What is wrong Harry?'
'There is still no progress with the Horcruxes, Saf.'
'Is there anything I can do?'
'No. Thank you Safira'
'Just ask Ok Harry.'
'Yeah, thanks Saf'